The 8 Best Solar Panels for Camping of 2024 | Tested
The 8 Best Solar Panels for Camping of | Tested
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Best Overall Solar Panel For Camping
Jackery SolarSaga 100
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Relatively inexpensive
Efficient energy conversion
Easy to use
Lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Doesn't fold down very small
100 watts |10.3 lb
The Jackery SolarSaga 100 continues to be our favorite solar panel for camping. This 100-watt panel is easy to use, lightweight, and effective in both full and partial sun. It's less expensive than many competing models, but works better than those models. Whether it's a sunny day or cloudy outside, this solar panel charges devices with impressive speed. When you're not using it, the SolarSaga quickly folds flat and weighs just over 10 pounds. This low weight and simple fold-in-half design makes it easy to pack this panel into your car for your next camping trip. It is chock-full of useful features that make it portable and exceptionally useful. At the campsite, its built-in handle makes it a breeze to carry, and fold-out legs quickly deploy so you can point it directly at the sun and make the most of those morning and evening rays. It has a USB-A, USB-C, and a DC output to plug directly into your solar camping power station. The hardwired DC charging cable and USB ports stow away handily in an integrated zipper pouch on the backside. This solar panel is impressive in almost every regard and a great addition to anyone's off-grid solar camping setup.
The SolarSaga 100 is lightweight and collapses flat, but it has just a single fold. As a result, its packed size is considerably wider than the others we reviewed. Still, this panel is more efficient, and since it only folds once, it's thinner than many of the other models we tested. Even though its footprint is larger than some, it's about as packable as many larger models. If you're in the market for an all-around great-value high-watt solar panel for your next camping adventure, look no further. If you're looking to go small and light, consider a more compact model like the highly portable BioLite Solar Panel 100.
Read more: Jackery SolarSaga 100 review
The Jackery SolarSaga 100 powers devices with sunlight quickly and easily.
Credit: Sam Schild
Best Value Solar Panel For Camping
BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
More affordable
Good charging speeds
Simple to use
Lightweight and portable
REASONS TO AVOID
Only average performance in cloudy conditions
No place to store cables
100 watts |8.8 lb
The BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE is a high-value panel for your solar camping setup. This panel costs less than almost every other panel we tested but performed above average in nearly every test we threw at it. It's lightweight, has a carry handle, and folds once into an easy-to-haul package. You'll quickly be able to load this into your car, then unload it to your solar generation station at the campsite. It has fold-out legs to angle directly at the sun, so you'll be able to take advantage of low-angle sunlight. And it comes with a plethora of adaptors, which makes it easy to hook up to just about any power station from any brand. This makes the SolarPowa 100 that much more affordable since you won't have to buy extra cables or adaptors.
Almost everything about the SolarPowa 100 is easy to use and effective, but this model lacks a place to store the charging cable and all the included adaptors. We wound up hauling it around with the charging cable dangling off the back a lot during testing, which isn't ideal. The performance was also average on cloudy days, so if you anticipate a lot of overcast weather, this might not meet your high-power needs. Everything considered, if you're searching for a great deal on a solar panel for your next camping trip, check this one out. On the other hand, when the clouds roll in, we recommend charging up with the EcoFlow 110 instead.
Read more: BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE review
The BigBlue SolarPowa 100 is an affordable and efficient solar panel.
Credit: Sam Schild
Best Solar Panel For Extremely Tight Budgets
Dokio 110W 18V Portable Kit
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Very thin
Extremely inexpensive
Lightweight
Comes with a separate charge controller
REASONS TO AVOID
Hard to set up at an angle
110 watts |5.1 lb
The Dokio 110W 18V Portable Kit is one of the least expensive panels we tested and by far the most affordable panel that still works well as a solar panel. We didn't have high hopes for this model because it was so inexpensive. But after purchasing and using it, while it's not the most efficient, we found it punches well above its price point. This 110-watt panel is also very portable. It is nearly paper thin and weighs less than most other 100-watt models. And it comes with a separate solar charge controller, so you can use this to charge a battery without an integrated solar charge controller. This can potentially save you even more money because portable power stations are more expensive than standard leisure batteries.
While the Dokio panel is very inexpensive and portable, it performed below average during our direct and indirect solar charging speed tests. It did better at generating power than a few of the panels we tested, but if charging efficiency is your top concern, then this isn't the best option. It also doesn't have kickstand legs to angle at the sun, but it's light enough that you can prop it just about anywhere without issue. If you're willing to spend slightly more money, we recommend the not-quite-as-affordable but much more efficient BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE.
Read more: Dokio 110W 18V Portable Kit review
The Dokio 110W 18V Portable Kit is extremely affordable and still works pretty well for generating power from the sun.
Credit: Sam Schild
Best All-Weather Solar Panel
EcoFlow 110
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Fast charging in all conditions
Waterproof design
Folds quite small
Lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Charging cable sold separately
Carrying case kickstand doesn't work as well
110 watts |8.8 lb
The EcoFlow 110 is an excellent panel for reliable performance in any condition &#; rain or shine. This model is fully waterproof and uses universal standard solar connectors that won't let water into the connection point. These are the same connectors you'll see on permanently mounted solar panels, which means these connectors and the EcoFlow panel are rated to work in the rain. It also performs better in cloudy conditions than most other panels, keeping your office in the woods up and running even if you have to work under a canopy tent. It has one of the highest power outputs in full sun, so you can charge your power station quickly. It comes with a zippered carrying case that doubles as a support to angle the panel at the sun. This case makes it easy to transport the panel and any cables you need to hook it up.
While the carrying case for the EcoFlow 110 works really well to transport, it is less ideal as a kickstand support, which it's meant to double as. It does okay as a panel kickstand but isn't nearly as sturdy as almost any other panel we tested that has dedicated fold-out legs. Of course, since the case serves two purposes, it's one of the lightest overall models we tested, if less stable. Nonetheless, this model is one of the most efficient at converting solar energy into sunlight in all conditions and offers excellent protection from rain as well. Another fast charging and waterproof option you may like is the Renogy 100W Foldable, which features sturdy and adjustable fold-out legs to keep it angled how you need it to be.
Read more: EcoFlow 110 review
The EcoFlow 110 is a powerful panel that's fully waterproof.
Credit: Sam Schild
Seriously Solid Construction
Renogy 100W Foldable
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Very durable
Charges quickly
Does well in all conditions
Waterproof
Strong adjustable fold-out legs
REASONS TO AVOID
Doesn't always come with a charging cable
Heavy
100 watts |21.2 lb
The Renogy 100W Foldable is a rigid, aluminum-framed panel and is as beefy as a permanently installed solar panel &#; but with a hinge for transport. It is seriously sturdy and feels practically bombproof compared to many of the thin, flimsy panels we tested. With this level of construction, we'd be tempted to semi-permanently install it on the top of our van or camper, except that it also has some of the best angling legs we've seen. With screw adjustments and beefy metal legs, this panel can be angled perfectly into the sun and is unlikely to get blown over in anything but the wildest storms. It's one of the most efficient panels we tested in both direct and indirect sunlight and is fully waterproof, so no matter the weather, this will keep the power flowing.
All this burly construction makes the Renogy 100W one of the heaviest, bulkiest solar panels that you can reasonably transport in the trunk of a car. It weighs 21.2 pounds, which is still light enough for one person to carry, but that's about twice as heavy as some of the other models we tested here. So, if you're looking for a solar panel to set up and leave it set up for a while, this is an excellent choice. Others who are constantly on the move may be better off with a more portable panel like the Anker Solix 100W Foldable.
Read more: Renogy 100W Foldable review
The Renogy 100W Foldable is big and durable, so you can leave it set up all day without worry.
Credit: Sam Schild
A Versatile and Easy Setup Panel
BioLite Solar Panel 100
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Small folded size
Pleasant and convenient features
Simple setup
Lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Just average charging speeds
Expensive
100 watts |9.5 lb
The BioLite Solar Panel 100 is extremely versatile, portable, and easy to set up. This panel weighs less than most others we tested, and its packed size is smaller than most as well. You'll have plenty of extra space in your trunk for all your camping gear due to its extremely thin profile. It has a built-in handle and a zippered pouch to make carrying it to your energy generation station at camp a cinch. And when you get to your solar generation location, it unfolds quickly and has a pair of fold-out legs that make setup that much easier. Uniquely, this model has a simple sundial to help you angle it directly at the sun for maximum efficiency. You can also daisy-chain it to more BioLite panels to increase your energy generation, making it a great option for newbies and seasoned solar experts alike.
While the BioLite 100 has tons of great features, it isn't the fastest when it comes to solar charging speeds. It will still power your devices just fine, with an average to slightly above-average energy output performance, but there are more efficient panels in our lineup. This is also one of the priciest panels in the bunch. However, its user-friendly features and easy setup help to make up for its slightly lower charging speeds. The BioLite 100 stands out in a crowded field of solar panels and is one of our favorite panels to use, even considering its higher price tag. If you want a fast charging panel that costs less than this model, check out the Bluetti PV120.
Read more: BioLite Solar Panel 100 review
The BioLite Solar Panel 100 is small and folds away easily.
Credit: Sam Schild
A Seriously Portable 100-watt Panel
Allpowers SPo12 100W Panel
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Folds extremely small
Affordable
Lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Average charging speeds
Hard to set up at an angle
100 watts |6.1 lb
The Allpowers SPo12 100W Panel folds down smaller than any other 100-watt panel we tested. This model folds 4 times, then 3 more times to stow away. After all that folding, it's about the size of a large textbook, measuring 12.5 by 7.5 by 3.5 inches thick. This is the only 100-watt panel that will easily fit inside of an average-sized daypack. It features 15 small individual panels sewn together into a blanket-like package with an easy-to-hold carry handle. It unfurls at your campsite, and it's so light that you can clip it to nearly anything. The integrated velcro pouch holds the included cables you'll need to start charging. And, it performs about average compared to the other solar panels we tested here, which was surprising considering this panel's unique design and low price.
While the Allpowers Spo12 is extremely portable, we found the integrated pouch for carrying the charging cables and other accessories prevented the panel from rolling up properly when the pocket is full. Even when we only carried the DC charging cable in this pocket, the panel still didn't easily stay rolled up. For long-term use, we'd recommend getting a strap to keep it folded, and we definitely don't plan on stuffing the pocket full of solar accessories. This model also doesn't have kickstand legs to angle at the sun. It has carabiners to hang it, so this isn't a dealbreaker, but it's worth mentioning. Finally, the included DC charging cable that came with it stopped working after a single use. This wasn't a huge deal since we had extras lying around, but we recommend testing this panel and all the accessories you plan to use before you rely on it at your campsite. But if you need a large solar panel that you can actually throw in your pack and carry farther away from your campsite, this is it. If you're looking for a slightly more efficient model at a great price, check out the Grecell 100W Portable.
Read more: Allpowers SPo12 100W Panel review
The Allpowers SPo12 100W Panel unfolds from the size of a textbook that will easily fit in a backpack.
Credit: Sam Schild
Best Portable Solar Charger
BigBlue SolarPowa 28
Number of USB Outlets: 3 | Weight: 20.9 oz
REASONS TO BUY
Fast and effective charging
Works well under trying conditions
Affordable
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Mono Solar Panel manufacturer.
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavier than some portable panels
3 |20.9 oz
Among portable solar panels, the BigBlue SolarPowa 28 is the cream of the crop in our lineup of the best portable solar chargers, which focuses on smaller panels from 5-50 watts. It has seriously efficient charging capabilities and performed well in all our testing. This packable model is one of the most efficient of the bunch and delivers consistent and quick charging through variable cloud cover and changing conditions. Three USB ports ensure you can keep your electronics plugged in when you need them. And when you're ready to hit the road, simply roll up this panel and stick it in your backpack.
Despite how much we appreciate the portability, the SolarPowa 28 cuts weight by sacrificing any legs to angle it toward the sun. Even still, it's one of the heavier portable panels we tested, but we think it's worth the weight for its charging capacity and efficiency. If you require plenty of power in changing light conditions while on the go, the SolarPowa is a great and reasonably affordable option we highly recommend. If you prefer a light and foldable panel with fold-out legs, the Jackery SolarSaga 100 is our favorite overall pick.
Read more: BigBlue SolarPowa 28 review
The BigBlue 3 balances solar charging efficiency and size better than most of the more portable solar chargers we tested.
Credit: Sam Schild
Compare Products
select up to 5 products to compare Score Product Price85
Best Overall Solar Panel For Camping $299
84
Best All-Weather Solar Panel $399
83
$29980
Seriously Solid Construction $355
77
Best Value Solar Panel For Camping $200
75
$29973
A Seriously Portable 100-watt Panel $229
72
A Versatile and Easy Setup Panel $400
71
Best Solar Panel For Extremely Tight Budgets $130
71
$20059
$30053
$30039
$110We put these solar camping panels to the test on sunny days, overcast days, and on days with racing clouds.
Credit: Sam Schild
How We Test Solar Panels for Camping
For this review, we researched dozens of 100+ watt solar panels for camping. After carefully selecting and purchasing every product in our lineup, we developed rigorous side-by-side tests to perform in the field and the lab, pitting these sun-gathering machines against each other. Much of our testing involved measuring how fast each solar panel took to charge a battery in the same location at the same time to ensure the most accurate test results. We hooked up each solar panel to matching batteries simultaneously to ensure identical conditions, then recorded how much charge each panel generated in one hour. Since everything from ambient temperature to the sun's angle to ozone levels can affect solar panel efficiency, we tested every panel side-by-side simultaneously.
Our testing of solar panels for camping is divided into four rating metrics with weights corresponding to their overall importance:- Direct Charging Speed (35% of overall weighting)
- Indirect Charging Speed (35% weighting)
- Portability (15% weighting)
- Functionality (15% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Our testing of solar panels for camping is divided intowith weights corresponding to their overall importance:
Our expert panel review team is led by Sam Schild. Sam is an avid outdoor adventurer who has spent thousands of nights camping far away from the nearest power outlet. He has ridden a bicycle across the country multiple times and thru-hiked several American long-distance hiking trails. Sam first used a solar panel on one of his cross-country bike treks years ago, but these solar devices have come a long way since then. You can usually find him camping somewhere in Colorado or in the American Southwest, based out of his van, where his solar camping setup keeps his tech devices up and running.
We tested the actual output of every panel during peak sun with a voltameter.We tested these solar panels in a side-by-side charging speed test.Testing how the Goal Zero Nomad's support arms function to angle the panel directly at the sun when it's low in the sky.We put all these solar panels through side-by-side testing to ensure consistent conditions for every panel in every test.
Analysis and Test Results
We choose each contender after extensive research on their quality, popularity, innovation, and effectiveness, as well as consideration of what makes a top-notch large solar panel for camping. After years of testing and researching well over 100 solar panels, we've found that all the best panels are made with monocrystalline silicon, or single-crystal silicon, cells. Every panel we tested for this review uses this solar panel technology, and we've found that this makeup is the most efficient at converting solar energy into electricity.
Value
A solar camping setup can be quite expensive. With so many options, it can be difficult to know which are worth their high price tags and which are not. Based on the results from our extensive testing, expensive solar panels aren't always the best. The Jackery SolarSaga 100 offers the best overall value for a large solar panel for camping and off-grid living. This panel isn't the least expensive model we tested, nor is it the most expensive, but its performance and efficiency are some of the best we've seen.
The Jackery SolarSaga 100 offers excellent value for your solar camping setup.
Credit: Sam Schild
The EcoFlow 110 performed on par with the SolarSaga in terms of energy conversion efficiency but is even more consistent across variable cloud conditions. Though it has a higher list price, we often see it on sale, making it a great deal. It is also one of the few large solar panels we tested that is fully waterproof, which means you could leave this set up at your campsite while you're out without worrying about the weather. This versatility adds to the overall value of the EcoFlow 110.
The BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE is also an excellent value. This panel costs less than almost every other panel we tested, yet it still performs nearly as well as the top models. A few other panels we tested cost as little as the SolarPowa 100, but those panels aren't as efficient as this one.
The BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE provides a great overall value for a 100-watt solar panel.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Dokio 110W 18V Portable Kit is extremely affordable and, therefore, also great value. However, while many inexpensive solar panels aren't very efficient at converting sunlight to energy, the Dokio 110W model is surprisingly effective. This panel isn't the most powerful, but it performed shockingly well, considering its incredibly low price.
The Dokio 110W 18V Portable Kit costs less than almost every panel we tested and performed about average, making it a great value.
Credit: Sam Schild
Direct Solar Charging Speed
The main use of a large solar panel is to convert sunlight into energy that you can use to power your life. We, therefore, weighted direct solar charging speed heavily. If the panel at the heart of your solar camping setup doesn't work well in direct sunlight, then it isn't worth buying. We developed our tests with this in mind.
We used individual, identical batteries to perform our direct solar charging speed testing. We hooked up each panel to one of these identical batteries and set them up in the same open area, in direct sunlight, at the same time. We let each panel charge for one hour and recorded the total watt-hours generated by every panel. We repeated this test three times, switching the batteries around to compensate for any variables in the batteries, and then averaged the results.
The best way to measure each panel's efficiency is by calculating the total watt-hours generated in one hour. This method averages over a long enough segment of time instead of focusing on only a brief moment, as measuring voltage or watt output does. We'll come back to watt and volt-output below.
We set up every panel for every test in the same location at the same time to ensure conditions are consistent.
Credit: Sam Schild
The EcoFlow 110, Jackery SolarSaga 100, Renogy 100W Foldable, and Bluetti PV120 performed the best in direct solar charging speed testing. All of these panels generated over 67 watt-hours of charge in one hour. The Renogy put out the most charge, generating 71.7 watt-hours of charge in one hour. The SolarSaga and Bluetti put out slightly less charge, 68 and 68.8 watt-hours in one hour, respectively. This is only slightly more than the EcoFlow, which generated 67.2 watt-hours of charge in one hour. The differences in charge between these four panels are so small that we're confident you'll remain fully charged wherever you roam.
We tested every panel in a side-by-side test hooked up to identical batteries.
Credit: Sam Schild
The BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE also performed well in direct solar power generation testing. This panel generated 66.7 watt-hours of power in one hour. Close on this panel's heels was the Anker Solix 100W Foldable, which generated 65.6 watt-hours of charge in one hour.
The Grecell 100W Portable (60.3 Wh), Allpowers SPo12 100W Panel (59.2 Wh), Dokio 110W 18V Portable Kit (57.6 Wh), and BioLite Solar Panel 100 (53.6 Wh) also performed well in our direct sunlight solar generation tests. While these panels didn't perform quite as well as the top performers, they still generated a high amount of charge over one hour.
The Anker Solix 100W had the highest measured output in watts during peak sun, at 70 watts. The next highest output panels were the Renogy 100W Foldable (65 watts), BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE (64 watts), and Bluetti PV120 (64 watts).
The Anker Solix 100W Foldable also had the highest voltage output, at 27 volts. The Anker's overall power generation over one hour is good, but not the best, as you might assume based on its high watt output and voltage measurements. This is further evidence that snapshots of voltage and watt output should only be considered in relation to a larger picture of solar panel efficiency that most strongly weighs total power generation over a set period of time.
We hardwired an 8-millimeter plug onto the Anker 625's XT-60 charging cable after the adaptor we were using stopped working.
Credit: Sam Schild
Also, when we went to test the Anker Solix 100W Foldable with the rest of the bunch, we found that the adaptor to hook the Anker's XT-60 plug into the 8 mm DC port of our Jackery test batteries wasn't working. So, we hardwired a plug onto the Anker panel's power cord. The Anker Solix is a powerful panel, no doubt, but this can also be seen as an example of how using multiple adaptors can decrease electric efficiency. If you're looking for peak efficiency, use as few adaptors as possible with any solar setup. This often might mean matching your portable power station (battery) to your solar panel brand or simply getting out the wire snippers, crimpers, and electrical tape.
The Allpowers SPo12 100W Panel, Renogy 100W Foldable, and BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE had the next highest outputs in volts, at 21.7, 21.4, and 21.4 volts, respectively.
During testing, we found volt and watt output would shift regularly, all of watt and volt output readings are really averages of multiple readings. But, we still don't think relying on these readings is as useful. Again, we found the most accurate way to determine the most efficient panel was always watt output over one hour rather than a brief snapshot in time since you never know when the sun is simply going to be shining through a particularly clear patch of sky.
We tested every solar panel's output using a voltmeter.
Credit: Sam Schild
To further illuminate this point, for instance, the Bluetti PV120 had the highest output in volts during our last round of testing, at 22.9 volts in . During our testing, this panel's volt output measured 19.4 volts, which is near the back of the pack. Every panel's volt and watt outputs fluctuate consistently during testing, so these numbers, while useful for comparison, shouldn't be weighted as heavily when considering which solar panel is best for your camping trip. We take all the data we collected into account when tabulating the overall scores, but we also keep everything we just described in mind when determining how much watt output and voltage measurements should affect a panel's overall score.
Measuring the watt output of the Bluetti PV120 during peak sunlight.
Credit: Sam Schild
Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase performed well in our first direct sun power generation test, but it didn't perform as well during our most current test. During last year's test, the Goal Zero Briefcase generated 48 watt-hours in one hour. In our current test, though, it only generated 44 watt-hours of power. That doesn't seem like much of a drop, and it isn't. However, most other panels we tested generated more power this year compared to the last round.
The Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase performed well during our first round of side-by-side testing but didn't perform as well in our most recent testing.
Credit: Sam Schild
We'll continue to test all of these panels in side-by-side testing because it shows the massive amount of variability that subtle differences in temperature and solar radiation can have on solar panel efficiency. The Goal Zero Nomad may have had its best year of testing already, but we're continually averaging in old results with new ones as well, so if conditions are just right for this panel next year, then it will likely have another moment in the spotlight.
The EcoFlow 110 generated some of the most charge for our test battery as any panel.
Credit: Sam Schild
To maintain consistency, we performed most of our testing with the panels lying flat on the ground. However, we found that every solar panel performs best when angled directly at the sun. Because while solar panels are the most efficient when pointed directly at the sun, they're also more powerful when they're kept cool. And when a panel isn't lying directly on the ground, the increased airflow behind it keeps it cooler.
Indirect Solar Charging Speed
Sometimes, sunlight is obscured by a layer of clouds. While solar energy still makes it through the cloud cover, many solar panels are less able to convert sunlight into electricity on overcast days.
We weighted this metric just as heavily as charging speed in direct sunlight because what good is a solar panel if it only works during cloudless days? We still need to charge our gadgets when the sun goes away and the clouds come to play.
We used a thin white sheet to simulate conditions on a cloudy day to test these panels' indirect charging speed. Every model took longer to charge its battery during this test, but some panels performed better than others. On average, most of the panels we tested experienced at least a 50% reduction in energy generation during our indirect solar charging test. This means, in general, you should expect a solar panel to perform about half as well on overcast days.
Setting up our Big White Sheet to simulate cloud cover on a sunny day in Colorado.
Credit: Sam Schild
We performed this testing in sunny Colorado, where there aren't many cloudy days. During a briefly overcast period, we repeated our side-by-side testing to compare the panels' outputs under actual cloud cover to their output under our simulated cloud cover (aka the Big White Sheet).
We tested every panel in a side-by-side test under a white sheet to simulate a cloudy day.
Credit: Sam Schild
Every panel registered a higher watt output under the natural cloudy conditions than under the white sheet. However, since cloud cover is extremely variable, we didn't quantify these differences in our test results.
The EcoFlow 110 generated some of the most charge in one hour during indirect solar charging test.
Credit: Sam Schild
In our indirect sun charging speed test, the EcoFlow 110 performed best, putting out 33.2 watt-hours of charge in one hour. The EcoFlow consistently performs well in most conditions but really stands out on variably cloudy days.
You should expect at least a 50% drop in efficiency from your solar panel on a cloudy day.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Bluetti PV120 came in second under the Big White Sheet, generating 29.4 watt-hours in one hour. This panel has the largest surface area, measuring 65 by 21 inches when unfolded. This larger footprint helps to gather as much solar energy as possible in lower-light scenarios, such as on a cloudy day.
The Bluetti PV120 performs well during cloudy and sunny days.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Renogy 100W also performed well in indirect light, generating 28.8 watt-hours in one hour under the Big White Sheet. This panel is consistently one of the most efficient in all conditions.
The Renogy 100W Foldable performs well in cloudy conditions, and it's completely waterproof in case those clouds create some rain.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Jackery SolarSaga 100 almost generated as much charge during our indirect solar testing as the top performers, producing 25.8 watt-hours during our tests. The Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase generated slightly more power than the Jackery, pumping out 26.4 watt-hours of charge in one hour under the Big White Sheet.
The SolarSaga 100 did almost as well as the top performers in our indirect solar charging speed test.
Credit: Sam Schild
This shouldn't be a surprise, but the EcoFlow 110 and Bluetti PV120 also had the highest measured power output (in watts) during indirect solar testing. The EcoFlow put out 35 watts, and the Bluetti put out 34 watts beneath the Big White Sheet.
The next highest watt-output we measured in this test came from the Renogy 100W, at 30 watts. Next was the BigBlue SolarPowa 100 with 26 watts. This panel was followed by the Jackery SolarSaga and Goal Zero Boulder 100, which both measured at 23 watts under simulated cloud cover. Unless you're really in a hurry to charge your devices while camping, any of these panels are a solid choice when you find yourself under heavy cloud cover.
The Renogy 100W Foldable performed very well under our simulated cloud.
Credit: Sam Schild
Portability
These panels aren't designed to be permanently mounted on the top of your camping rig or house. They're meant to be packed up in the back of your car or under the seat in your RV or van and then pulled out and placed in the sun when you need them. If you're going on an extended trip, you might be cramming a lot of gear into your car, so you don't want your solar camping setup to take up any more room than it needs to.
We tested portability by weighing every panel and measuring its dimensions when folded. We packed them up and carried them around. We considered all the features that add to a solar panel's portability, such as whether it has a handle or carrying case to make transportation from your car to where you'll set up your solar charging station easier.
We measured the thickness of every panel when folding without taking into account extra bulk from zippered cable storage pouches because not every panel has one.
Credit: Sam Schild
We measure every panel ourselves during the testing process and have found several discrepancies between the manufacturer's dimensions and our own. We're not saying anyone is wrong here, but there is certainly an amount of subjectivity that goes into measuring. There are many choices you must make in terms of what to include in your measurement and what not to include.
For instance, we made the decision not to include the thickness of any pouches when measuring the folded size of these panels. It seemed inaccurate for panels with features that make them more portable to seem thicker, and therefore less portable. Compared to panels without a pouch to store cables, where the cables are then constantly getting in the way, the panels with an added pouch are much more portable. So, we made the decision not to include any zipper pouches in panel thickness.
The Allpowers SPo12 100W Panel is seriously portable and the only panel that can fit inside a standard daypack.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Allpowers SPo12 100W Panel is the only panel we tested that can fit inside an average daypack. This model is essentially a blanket of 15 small solar panels quilted together. It can fold and roll up between each panel into a package about the size of a textbook. The Allpowers measures 12.5 by 7.5 by 3.5 inches thick and only weighs 6.1 pounds. Not only is it the most packable, but it's also one of the lightest panels. And, it has a velcro pouch to store cables during transportation.
The Dokio 110W 18V Portable Kit is another very portable panel. This panel only folds once, unlike the Allpowers, but the Dokio weighs a mere 5.1 pounds and is incredibly thin when folded. This model is the lightest of any we tested. Some of the panels we tested weigh five times as much as the Dokio, and we appreciated its lightweight portability when lugging it up flights of stairs or lifting it to store on a high shelf in the garage. This model also has a velcro pouch on the outside to store cables, which makes it even more easy to transport.
The Dokio 110W 18V Portable Kit only weighs 5 pounds so it's incredibly easy to carry.
Credit: Sam Schild
The BioLite Solar Panel 100 is another highly portable solar panel to bring on your next camping trip. This model folds down to a small size, measuring 14.5 by 20 by 0.75 inches thick. At 9.5 pounds, this is one of the lighter panels we tested, too. It also has a zippered pouch on the outside to ensure you won't have to deal with a mess of cables when you're stuffing things into your trunk (Reminder: we didn't account for the zipper pouch in the panel thickness measurement when folded).
We measured the dimensions and weight of every solar panel.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Jackery SolarSaga also performs well in portability. This panel only folds once, so while its footprint is larger than the BioLite, it's not as thick. The Jackery measures 24 by 21 inches when folded and is half an thick when folded (everywhere but the zippered pouch). It weighs 10.3 pounds, has an integrated zippered pouch to store cables, and a comfortable carry handle.
The Allpowers SPo12 100W Panel weighs a mere 6.1 pounds and folds down to the size of a textbook.
Credit: Sam Schild
The BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE is quite light, at 8.8 pounds. This panel only folds once, so its packed size isn't as small, but it is very thin. It doesn't have a place to store charging cables, though, which made it less pleasant to pack and unpack in our cars.
The BigBlue SolarPowa 100 ETFE was the lightest panel we tested, but doesn't have a place to store the charging cable.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Anker Solix 100W Foldable is another one of the most portable solar panels we tested. This panel folds up into a small size, is lightweight, and has an integrated handle. It's not the absolute smallest and not quite the lightest, but it's light and small enough. It's also the only panel we tested with two zippered pouches to stay organized on the go. And it has an integrated handle, making it very convenient for transporting.
The Anker 625 folds into a small size and has an integrated handle to make carrying it easier.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Topsolar 100W Foldable is tied with the Dokio for the lightest 100+ watt panel we tested, weighing just 5.1 pounds. The Topsolar doesn't fold down as small as some others, though, and lacks other attributes that would make it a good pick overall.
The EcoFlow 110 is another one of the lightweight models we tested, weighing 8.8 pounds. It comes with a zippered carrying case to make transporting it from your vehicle easy.
The EcoFlow 110 comes with a carrying case that zips shut for portability.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Goal Zero Nomad 100 folds up impressively small and is one of the smallest packed models among all the panels we tested. However, it's also one of the heaviest panels in our lineup &#; doubling or tripling the weight of many other panels, at just over 20 pounds &#; and doesn't have a handle to carry it. However, this is one of the easiest panels to stash in especially tight spaces, fitting into a small, jam-packed trunk or even a large backpack if you're up for a challenge.
Goal Zero Nomad 100 folds to the smallest size of any panel we tested, but is also the heaviest.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Renogy 100W Foldable and Goal Zero Boulder 100 Briefcase were the least portable models we tested. These panels both weigh over 20 pounds and have a large packed size. The Boulder 100 is almost impossible to get into the included carrying case by yourself, as it only unzips at the top, barely opening wider than the panel itself. The Renogy carrying case is hard-sided and opens like a clamshell, so it was much easier to load this panel into its case than the Goal Zero Boulder 100.
The Renogy 100W Foldable has a hard-sided carrying case the opens like a clamshell, but it's one of the heavier panels we tested.
Credit: Sam Schild
Functionality
Our functionality metric evaluates how user-friendly a camping solar panel is. To test this fairly broad metric, we considered aspects such as ease of setup, multiple device charging capabilities, cable integration and storage, fold-out supports to angle the panel toward the sun, and anything else contributing to how well a solar panel functions during real-world testing.
The BioLite 100 and Jackery SolarSaga 100 were the two most functional models overall. Both of these panels are super easy to set up, so you can spend your time enjoying your camping trip and not simply messing with solar panels.
The Jackery SolarSaga has USB-A, USB-C, and a hardwired DC output for all your charging needs.
Credit: Sam Schild
The BioLite Solar Panel 100 has many functional features. It has a direct DC charging output, a USB-C port, and two USB-A ports. It also has a pair of fold-out legs to angle at the sun and a sundial to take the guesswork out of angling it directly at the sun. You can chain it with other BioLite Panels as well to multiply your charging abilities.
The Jackery SolarSaga 100 was one of the easiest solar panels to use. It only folds once, whereas most other panels fold two or three times. This makes the SolarSaga a little larger, but it was consistently the easiest to set up. It also has a pair of folding legs to angle it toward the sun. Since there are only two sections of the panel to support, the two legs of this panel are some of the sturdiest out of the testing lineup. The SolarSaga has a USB-A, USB-C, and hardwired DC output to charge a large battery, so it can also charge up to three devices at once.
The Anker 625 has a sunlight alignment tool that lets you easily angle the panel directly at the sun for maximum efficiency.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Anker Solix 100W Foldable stands out with a bunch of functional features that make it easy to use. It has two zippered pockets. One of these pockets holds the XT 60 solar charging cable and both USB-C and USB-A outputs. This allows you to charge three devices simultaneously, though, as with every solar panel we tested, if you're splitting the output wattage three ways, it will slow the charging speed. The other zippered pocket will hold any other accessories you want to keep with your solar camping setup. It also has an integrated sunlight alignment device that lets you quickly ensure the panel is angled at the sun to maximize efficiency. And of course, it has kickstand legs to make angling it at the sun a cinch.
The BioLite Solar Panel 100 has a sundial to help you angle this panel directly at the sun.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Dokio 110W 18V Portable Kit comes with a separate solar charge controller. this extra feature, quite frankly, makes the panel seem more complicated and therefore less functional. However, the included solar charge controller makes it possible to charge any DC battery with this panel. You don't need a fancy power station with an integrated solar charge controller to use this model, which can save you money and makes the it more functional overall.
The Dokio 110W 18V Portable Kit comes with a solar charge controller so you can use it with any battery, not just a portable power station with a solar charge controller.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Dokio 110W 18V Portable Kit and Allpowers SPo12 100W Panel don't have legs to angle at the sun, however. The Dokio is light and rigid enough that it can be easily propped up against a tree, bush, or other object. The Allpowers, however, is a challenge to angle at the sun. You can hang it using the included carabiners, but angling it at 45 degrees towards the sun requires a large, flat, angle surface to rest the panel on top of or some creativity and rope.
Since Allpowers SPo12 100W Panel is essentially a blanket with a grid of solar panels on it, you'll need a large, flat, and angled surface to angle it towards low angled sun.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Renogy 100W Foldable legs are some of the most secure of any model we tested. They adjust and secure in place with a threaded handle, allowing you to easily angle this panel exactly where it needs to be for maximum efficiency. They're made of stiff metal, making this one of the last panels to ever blow over &#; and it would take a really strong storm to do so.
The Renogy 100W is a durable and efficient panel to set up at your campsite and leave out all day.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Bluetti PV120 also has very secure adjustable fold-out legs. While these legs fold out just like other panel supports, they then secure in place with snaps and straps so you can actually adjust the angle of the legs. This makes the Bluetti slightly more secure than all but the Renogy.
The legs on the Bluetti PV120 balance secure adjustability and weight the best of any panel we tested.
Credit: Sam Schild
At first glance, the EcoFlow 110 doesn't have a way to point it at low-angled sunlight, like during the early morning and toward dusk, making it less convenient to use when you're away from camp all day. In actuality, you can use the included carrying case to prop up one side of the panel, but this is much less convenient or sturdy than models with included legs for more accurate angling.
The Jackery SolarSaga has collapsible legs to angle the panel in the early morning or late evening sun and fast charges devices during peak sunlight hours.
Credit: Sam Schild
It's also worth noting that every panel we tested comes with the necessary cable to hook up to a battery, except the EcoFlow 110, Bluetti PV120, and Renogy 100W Foldable. These panels all have a universal standard solar cable connector, also referred to as MC4, but you'll need to get the right adaptor to attach these to your power station of choice. To charge most large batteries or power stations, you'll need to purchase an MC4-to-XT60 cable. The MC4 universal connection is waterproof, though, so this is likely a benefit for some people, even if it is inconvenient &#; not to mention more expensive &#; to purchase extra cables for your solar camping setup.
Universal standard solar connectors like these, as found on the EcoFlow 110, Bluetti PV120, and Renogy 100W, are more efficient but will require extra adaptors depending on your power station's input.
Credit: sam schild
While this style of cable connection has the least amount of energy loss (and therefore yields more efficient energy gathering), it does require some extra cables for plugging into most large power stations. This style of connection also allows you to chain multiple solar panels together so you can multiply the power generated from the sun.
A good solar camping setup involves the right solar panel to charge your tech.
Credit: Sam Schild
Conclusion
Choosing the right panel for your solar camping setup can seem daunting. There are tons of solar panels out there, and choosing the right one can be the difference between having a piece of gear that lasts a long time and one that leaves you short on electricity and money. Armed with the info we've provided, we hope you have what you need to decide which camping solar panel is best for you. Whether you're camping in a front-country campsite or boondocking far off the grid, having the right solar camping setup can make or break your experience.
Testing solar panels while van camping in Colorado.
Credit: Sam Schild
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